#Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson says he has bulked up to 248 pounds and expects to play middle, though that can change.

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I don't have much of a problem with that, if he can maintain his lacking speed at that weight, he'll be better fit for the middle, and then let Hodges try and win the job at OLB, and bring in a veteran on a minimum deal, Paris Lenon possibly, to compete with Hodges.

Also, figured we needed a spot to talk about the ILB need._________________

Not sure how I feel about Erin in the middle yet. He has never been known as a cover backer and does look a little lost in space. Bulking up will help him be a better player in run support though. Hopefully he is taking pointers from his brother in that regard._________________

The only thing is that if they do go to more of a press-man coverage scheme (as it seems that they have been doing over the past year or 2), then Erin will be fine if they decide to move him to the middle full-time (rather than only in nickel). Still not ideal, of course, but he'd be okay._________________

Henderson just doesn't have the read and react skills or the instincts to play in the middle. He was constantly late in diagnosing plays from the outside, it's only going to be worse at middle linebacker.

Here's hoping that Mauti's knees are ready to go, or that Cole has been working his butt off in the offseason._________________

Id guess that if there are enough quality LBs, players like Dean or McKenzie could be out of a job.

Yup, I agree. While they are both core special teamers, they don't do much else. I think only one is on the team next year. I'd also consider Audie's job in jeopardy.

I dont get why the team would waste roughly 10% of its roster on players who can only play specials. Therefore, if guys like Cole, Hodges and Mauti can show enough on special teams, the need for McKenzie and Dean significantly declines. Id take one, but not both._________________

The LB competition is going to be exciting to watch this year. The only problem is I like Cole, and Mauti. What are the chances that they both make the final roster? BTW where did you all get the Class of 2013 sig? I love it._________________Audie Cole 2013 Stats
Games Tackles Solo Assist Sack PassDef. Int. Yds
---11--------38----24-----14----1.0-----1-------0----0

Q: You talked at the end of last year or making sure you stay home on defense and are in the right spot doing what’s asked of you. How do you get over that hurdle of making sure you’re doing that as consistently as you can?
A: When you’re playing the mike, it’s not as big of a deal. It’s not quite the same. Playing the will, you pretty much have to stay on that backside B gap no matter what’s happening. The ball could be going the other way and you want to go chase and you want to go be a part of the action. And then the running back might make a cut and get back through your B gap. It’s not really the same kind of situation once you move over to that mike. You still have to stay at home, still have to stick to your responsibilities. But I think they give you a little bit more freedom here at the mike to go find the ball and make plays.

I thought this was actually an interesting point I hadn't thought about. Erin's problem has always been staying disciplined; he's picked up a reputation as a freelancer. He's right, in a sense, that playing in the middle will actually allow him to do that more, as other players will be asked to take on blocks, freeing the hole up for Erin.

What worries me though is his pass defense, then. That's something you CAN NOT freelance on. He needs to be keyed in to his man assignment/zone, and can't chase the play. That'll get the defense into huge trouble._________________

The LB competition is going to be exciting to watch this year. The only problem is I like Cole, and Mauti. What are the chances that they both make the final roster? BTW where did you all get the Class of 2013 sig? I love it.

I would love to see a Cole and Mauti get their chances as well but I am intrigued by Erin at MLB.. I feel like he can be as good as the run as EJ was in his prime and I love to see that he is bulking up.. Just hope the weight doesn't slow him down anymore in pass coverage because he can't afford that. It seems like a good plan but idk if I'm fully confident in relying on a 1st year MLB and a fourth round pick at WLB to go into the season.. I know we were talking about the options the Vikings might explore at MLB in Dansby and Urlacher but if Leslie and Co. are this confident in Erin in the middle I wonder of there is any chance we bring in a vet FA at WLB.. Anyone know who the remaining OLB FA's are?_________________2013 Adopt-A-Viking: LB Michael Mauti #56